Gordonians do battle with city rivals Aberdeenshire

Caledonian Division 1 - Round 2 Preview

The home side will be looking to bounce back from a lacklustre performance in Inverness to kick of the season where they went down 29-18. Shire on the other hand come fresh off a good win against Caithness in Thurso. Tomorrows match promises to be a tight affair with the last 3 games at Counteswells being decided by less than 7 points, new coach Richie Anderson will be looking to get win his first game in charge.

The weekend sees a number of changes to the side that lost narrowly last weekend. The welcome return in the front row of Andrew Sutcliffe will add considerable strength in the scrum and powerful running in the loose. The Morrow brothers both earn starting berths in the pack after their summer hiatus along with the return of last year’s RGC captain Peter Johnstone at open side. In the backline Sean Mills takes over the 10 shirt with Fraser Smith moving into the outside centre berth after impressing last weekend. The back 3 sees a debut on the left wing for former RGC & Merchiston Castle pupil Will Fairlie along with the highly anticipated return of Gordon’s College teacher Jimmy Lamont on the right wing and the ever present and versatile Sandy Willis at full back. The squad complimented very well with a strong bench including Paddy Maughan and new arrival Sam Purvis. It promises to be an exciting encounter at Counteswells and with over half of the team either educated or teaching at Robert Gordon’s College it shows that the bond between school and club is growing every stronger.

Match day Programmes will be on sale from 2 o’clock for £1

Jason Woolcott will also be attending Saturday’s game to promote fundraising efforts for Seti Tafua ahead of ‘Seti Tafua Day Scotland’ on Saturday the 15th of September. Wristbands will be on sale, all proceeds going towards the fundraising efforts.

Elsewhere in the league, Ellon & Orkney lock horns at the meadows with the home side looking to prove a point after their last gasp defeat in Stonehaven. Mackie entertain St. Andrews University at Redcloak, Highland travel to Forfar to play Strathmore & Hillfoots will play Caithness.